You've Probably Heard About The Glass Ceiling. Have You Ever Heard of The Glass Wall? Let's Discuss This Lesser-Known Barrier That Can Hinder Women's Career Progression.
The Glass Wall
This concept was realised after I hit mid-career and labels and projections started being placed on me; I observed those labels were not given to men. One question stuck: how much longer do you want to work for? Men and women are not treated equally in the workplace.
Women appear more disposable and time-bound. Opinions and judgements surface that impact a woman's career progression; age is a factor in many sectors.
Mid-career is defined as age 35-45. We have approximately 25 years more to contribute at this stage. There are many chapters ahead still.
Discussing my experience with other women, I realised they, too, were given labels about their family life, length of time in a role, length of time out of work to raise a family, taking care of an elderly parent, moving country, integrating their family into new ways of life, the list goes on of questions and opinions.
And all the time, these thoughts, opinions, and judgments are internalised. What if it's true, and we subconsciously ruminate on it? We build a wall, maybe in defence, but probably to keep ourselves safe. We don't ask for a promotion, raise, or investment in our business.
This is the glass wall where women stop moving forward in their careers. Not wanting to experience rejection, opportunities are missed and progression is stalled.
Now, I want to empower women to break through their glass walls, recognise their full potential, and stop playing small.
Women deserve a seat at every table; we are 51% of the population, yet we hold less than 30% of executive positions. Women deserve career advancement, promotions, and increased responsibilities, to hold leadership positions and the opportunity to develop the future generation of women leaders, we all need role models.
Hi, I'm Lisa
In a professional landscape where equity remains paramount, I'm passionate about a workforce that embraces diversity at every career stage. Research from McKinsey and LeanIn.org highlights women's challenges, with fewer promotions, executive roles, and investment in female-owned businesses. With over two decades of experience and a background in retail marketing, visual merchandising, and consumer experience design for global brands such as Nike, Burberry, Selfridges, and The Gap, I've led teams, crafted strategies, and curated memorable consumer experiences worldwide. This journey led me to establish The Space Atelier, specialising in bespoke space design for physical and digital s. Beyond design, my diverse skill set encompasses social media marketing and interior design training. Earlier this year, a paradigm shift inspired me to view careers as dynamic portfolios, not career paths; this unlocked a new perspective and a desire to learn more. My exploration brought me to the heart of women's career stories. I observed a pattern: women often communicate their journeys more modestly than their male counterparts. Delving deeper, I researched how to harness the diverse skills, attributes, and experiences acquired throughout our careers. As a certified yoga and meditation teacher, I've always balanced the challenges of professional life with philosophies on human motivation and quality of life. This journey inspired the creation of a unique career development program and inspired me to set up my newest venture, Her Career Space. Leveraging corporate experience and inner work practices, I guide mid-career women in breaking glass walls, embracing their narratives, and ascending to new professional chapters. I bring a holistic approach to professional development, empowering women to fall in love with their unique stories. Join me on this transformative journey, and let's elevate your professional and personal life together.
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